Letter: Why I voted against the D-100 referendums

With a very heavy heart, both my husband and I felt we had no choice but to vote "no" on both referendum questions on the March 18 ballot. The increase is too large a sum all at once and without receiving complete transparency about how [the school board] arrived at the figures, we had no confidence it would be used appropriately. The board passed this matter in December 2013 and yet the first "community" meeting was February 20th?

What are the plans to put the money back into the community of Berwyn by using area contractors? What were the quotes on the necessary repairs? Why were computers and other expensive school equipment purchased before structural and safety issues were addressed? Why not go looking for funds outside of the state by hiring a profession grant writer? I still have no idea why you thought it was a good idea to introduce both the bonds and the tax rate increase at the same time. Perhaps the strategy was to use the "spaghetti" theory – throw it against the wall to see what sticks. But we personally don't want our child's education managed that way. This was a complete conundrum to us.

All of Berwyn is going to feel the effects of D-100's successes and failures. I don't know the outcome, but judging by the way this referendum was managed, we are worried for the existing community and future generations. In closing, my husband and I do want to thank [the Board] for your service to the community and the time you have given. May Berwyn flourish and prosper.